TIPS FOR GROWING CITRUS

• Plant citrus in spring, early summer or autumn.

• Plant into free-draining soil (raise the plant up a little, if necessary, to ensure the site doesn’t become waterlogged).

• When digging a hole, make it at least twice the width as the root ball of the tree. Citrus may be shallow-rooted, but the roots like to grow out into loose soil.

• Citrus trees don’t like to dry out in warm weather, so provide them with a layer of mulch around their base. this is especially important if your planting is raised.

• Provide citrus (which are gross feeders – that is, they need regular feeding) with fertiliser in the growing months of spring and summer. in dry spells, liquid manure is a good way to deliver this feeding.

• Prune only to assist with shape and encourage airflow.

• Where thrips and fungus are a problem, adopt a regular spraying program.